Profile: Moa Ball’s songwriting accolade

Sound Technology student Moa Ball has reached the final 10 of the Song Academy’s Young Songwriter competition with his original song Blue Light, a sharp, hook-filled commentary on modern life and our relationship with technology. Originally from Los Angeles, we spoke to Moa to reflect on the inspiration behind the song, his musical influences, and how studying at LIPA has shaped his creative process.

Congratulations on reaching the final 10. Could you tell us about your song, Blue Light and why you think it resonated with the judges?

“Thank you, very exciting stuff! A few years ago I was out with my friends, I think we were waiting in line at an amusement park, and instead of talking to each other I noticed they were all completely absorbed in their phones. Out of habit, I went to pick mine up too, but I stopped and put it away. They didn’t. This was the inspiration for Blue Light, the anthem to all of us willingly frying our brains!!

Besides the never ending hooks I planted throughout the tune, I think the song resonates not just to teenagers but to everyone, I’m sure the judges are just as frustrated with the modern era of technology as we are. The song is sarcastic and depressing, but hopefully as addictive as our algorithms.”

Who have been the most important musical influences in your life, and how have they impacted your style as a singer-songwriter? 

“I like to go with the Germans and the English… Kraftwerk, Rammstein, and Spiritualized. 

I like to think of my music as a combination of all 3. Kraftwerk has the simplistic melody and hook, Rammstein has the intricate song structure, and throw Spiritualized in there and you’re now left with a really trippy and ridiculous pop song, capable of withstanding the tests of time. 

Oh, and throw the ideology of Max Martin in there and you’ve got my music.”

Looking at your time at LIPA, what are the most useful things you learnt so far that have helped your development as an artist?

“Being in the Sound Technology course at LIPA has interestingly had a great impact on the way I go about writing and producing my music. It has kind of re-wired the whole way I approach creating my sound. One example could be phase in music, I absolutely overlooked its power and am now permanently paranoid that every element in a mix must be in phase with one another.”

What made you want to move from LA to Liverpool to study here?

“Moving from LA to Liverpool felt like a natural transition. I knew I didn’t want to study in the states, so I began looking around in Europe. Once I found LIPA I couldn’t believe it ticked so many boxes. It seemed like the natural course for me to select would be any of the amazing music courses, but once I heard about Jon Thornton and his Sound Technology course he created from the ground up, it was the only way to go. I’ve always been curious about the sound tech side of music, but never had the chance to dive in.”

What’s next for you? (new releases, shows etc.)

“My debut album ‘How To Be Alone” is complete, planning on releasing in September when LIPA kicks off again. Album 2 is already in full effect!”

Moa will find out if his song has made the top 5 next week, which would see him perform at The Young Songwriter 2026 Showcase and be in with a chance of the grand prize.